ID help needed on Sumatra sword

[erikscollectables]

Originally Posted by Nirghosa

For comparison:
http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=1991

I have some training with this item and my teacher did learn it in Sumatra.
Ours also has the backcut tip/spine and there are movements that capitalize on this design aspect.

Hi Nirghosa,

I have a few karo kalasans in my collection.
In my opinion this blade is quite different.
It does not have the S shape of the blade.
It does have more a blade similair to that of the andar andar. Slightly broader at the point and double edged.
It does not have the typical characteristics of a Batak blade near the handle though - instead it has a keris like feature that is also sometimes seen on pedangs from Sumatra.

Regards, Erik

[Nirghosa]

Originally Posted by erikscollectables

Hi Nirghosa,

I have a few karo kalasans in my collection.
In my opinion this blade is quite different.
It does not have the S shape of the blade.
It does have more a blade similair to that of the andar andar. Slightly broader at the point and double edged.
It does not have the typical characteristics of a Batak blade near the handle though - instead it has a keris like feature that is also sometimes seen on pedangs from Sumatra.

Regards, Erik

agreed, it is intriguing. I agree, the handle and near the handle are not typical. But at first blush this was the closest thing (to me) I have seen to our Kalasan, and I have been looking for similar ones lately. That is why I say my first guess. Of course, my teacher learned from an elderly gentleman in the jungle, it could have just been his local variant.
Thanks for the insight Erik.